A Distributed Embedded Systems IoT Platform and Associated Services Supporting Shopping Cart for Disabled People

Over the last few years advancements in technological domains such as embedded system, IoT and distributed communication have greatly propelled the development of platforms and systems enabling people with disabilities to equally participate in everyday life activities. The added value of such platforms is even more pronounced when respective activities are of outmost importance like going to the supermarket and performing all the functions and services that a person without impairments can enjoy. In this context this paper presents and analyzes an end-to-end architecture where, distributed embedded systems intelligence, distributed data communication techniques and open data interfaces approaches are leveraged so that people with mobility impairments can be fully independent and functional when visiting a supermarket. In-depth analysis is offered on critical components and services such as, the specialized cart movement control unit, multifaceted localization techniques and automated pricing and merchandize management services. It is noted that this work is the outcome of a Greek National Research project supported by one of the biggest supermarket companies in Greece.